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You can now find The Design Inspirationalist on Wordpress. Although I have moved locations, you can still read the older posts here. There just won't be any updating.

For the new and improved blog visit: http://thedesigninspirationalist.wordpress.com/

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Wallpaper Wedding Decor

Martha Stewart Weddings is a top place to go for inspiration and ideas for weddings and events. All you artsy, crafty, DIYers out there - you know whats up. The Winter 2012 edition shared a lot of great tips and ideas, one of which I thought was really cool. Using wallpaper for your decor. How cool is that? Especially, when there are so many different types out there to choose from. Hope these bring you some inspiration!



{Using wallpaper for your runner, backdrop and chair covers can add a touch of style}

 

 {Create envelopes with ease}

{Use graphic patterns for table decor}{Choose a pattern & style you can work with}

{Create decorative favors or items you want to include in the decor}
{Pick a pattern & style that matches your theme and create a photo area for your guests}

Download & Print

Need some inspiration for invitations? Check out the free templates Download and Print offers on their site. Not so bad for free!

Tips for Arranging a Space

Picking decor and a color scheme for your home are the first steps to its design. Then you have to figure out how to arrange your furniture and other items to fit the space.

Everyone has knick knacks they cherish, artwork they want to display or beautiful items they would like to show off. But you also don't want to just stick something on a wall or place it on a table. There are certain methods and key elements to decorating. Keep these in mind when styling your home and you will be on your way to a well designed space in no time.

Pay Attention to Color
Try to stick within your color scheme when you accessorize. Bringing in a new color or two is fine as long as it blends well with the room. You can either let your accessories pop or mesh into the scheme of the space.

{Keep items within the same color scheme}

Group Like Items
This especially works for collections. If you have a nice array of bottles or vases, group them together for more impact. Always do this in odd numbers. In this case, three is the magic number. You can also display a collection or a group of similar items in one space such as a bookshelf or table. If you have a few things that are slightly different in color, place the darker item towards the back if the size allows.

{A set of six framed pieces adds a nice even tone for a room. Not to mention, adds height. Also, take note of the ocean themed items that are grouped together. This helps the room make sense}

{Grouping items in threes will always turn out successful}

Take Note of Size
Be aware of the size of an item and the space it is in. If you have a large vase or vessel on the floor be cautious of what is around it. You don't want too many large items together because it will look crowded. So place something thinner, taller or smaller alongside it. Remember to let color play a part as well.

{Sometimes just placing one large item in a space is enough. Those hard to reach spaces on top of cabinets is the perfect place to display something special}

Let Their Be Light
Place objects that are clear or see through by windows or where there's a good amount of light. Not only will they make an impact but add some sparkle to the room as well.

{To brighten up a dark space add a mirror to reflect light and don't crowd it with accessories}

The Stacking Effect
To test the space, sit down and take a look around. You should see some sort of stacking effect take place. From the floor to the tops of the furniture to the ceiling. Check the height of objects to make sure nothing is competing with each other. What you want is an even feel to the design where everything has its place.

{This is a perfect example of the stacking effect. From the coffee table, the chairs, then the table in the back. Your eye flows around the room. And with the help of various sized framed artwork and decorative lighting, the overall space seems complete}

You should also do the test standing up. The key is to always have objects eye level as well as a few below and above. You want the room to be interesting, not flat.

Good luck on all your decorating adventures!

New Uses for Old Things

I love the magazine Real Simple for many reasons. One of them is because their staff is so clever. They share a handful of uses for old things and I wanted to share some of them here. Not only are they helpful and useful but pretty fun as well.

Color Inspiration

Color is an essential part of life. From its importance in art and design to fashion, it helps if we all understood it a little better. The first step is to find inspiration and then analyze how the colors work within a particular scheme. Finally, understanding how the colors make you feel will allow you to create something extraodinary.

You can find inspiration everywhere you look. Don't take anything for granted. When you are running errands, stop and take in the architecture of the buildings around you. What colors do you see? Examine how the light affects the surface of the building. How do the tones reflect against the environment?

{The warm colors of clay, green and creams remind you of the desert while inspired during late afternoon in the city}

{Colors of late summer with a touch of peach will make you feel the cool whispers of the trees dancing in the breeze}

Nature can be the best place to find ideas. Since Mother Earth has created such a beautiful palette for us, we just have to take what makes us feel good and go for it. Blues, greens and neutrals are just the beginning. The seasons carry bright autumn hues, winter whites and flowers born with every color of the rainbow and beyond.

{With a calm olive being the main color, the light blue and cheery yellow add the colors from a spring garden}

{Cool blues and gray with a touch of brown mimic autumn birch trees while the soothing mustard yellow adds some brightness and warmth}

{Brown and olive green neutrals keep this palette calm}

Another way nature helps us in the color department is through food. Everything that grows from the Earth is unique. Depending on its nutritional content and origin, veggies, fruits and plants provide an array of colorful ideas. The next time you make dinner try arranging the plate with style. Don't forget to take a picture!

{Olives and creams contrast each other while mustard and brown helps even out this pasta inspired palette}

{A warm hearty breakfast shares a neutral toned backdrop with light touches of creams and lavenders}

Wherever you find inspiration, it's good to start with one main color and then pick no more than three to compliment it. Keep saturated, bright colors to a minimum and muted; darker tones for backdrops. As long as they all come together in harmony, your project should be beautiful.

{This nautical themed palette of neutrals will create a calm and relaxing space in any home}

{Vintage blues and grays set a nice tone for the reddish brown and dark cream to create whimsy}

{I am currently working on a series of Photographic Palettes with Kate Smith for Sensational Color and so excited to start sharing them with my readers. So many new and fun projects lined up for 2012 so keep an eye out and I promise to keep you posted}

A Rustic & Vintage Inspired Kitchen

Now that my fiance and I bought a house, decorating has been number one on my list of things to do. And you bet I'm super excited! It has always been my dream to design a whole house from top to bottom and now I finally get the chance. Our home will be a mix of vintage items and rustic charm with a handful of industrial inspired pieces done with a contemporary point of view. Phew! It will be an eclectic home for sure. To see it all in its entirety will be dream come true :)

Here are a few inspirations for a rustic style kitchen. Since this is one room in the house we are doing a great deal of work to, I thought I would share some visual ideas with my fellow designers. These are simple beautiful.

{click on image to view larger}

Rustic with Vintage Flair

I came across this wedding and I was really taken back by how beautiful and soft all the decor looked. From the flowers to the vintage plates, this event had vintage flair and feminine touches. How can you resist the natural earthy theme and comfort styled feel? I can't!